Impact of supervised exercise rehabilitation on daily physical activity of cardiopulmonary patients

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of exercise rehabilitation (ER) on the daily physical activity (PA) of cardiopulmonary patients. Background The impact of ER programs on the objectively measured quantity and quality of daily PA in cardiopulmonary patients is not completely understood. Methods Participants' exercise capacity and PA were measured at baseline and at the end of the ER program ( n  = 37). Results Exercise capacity was higher at the end of the ER. Participants' sedentary time decreased while time spent in light PA increased; however, time spent in moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA) did not change. There was an increase in steps/day (>1.5 METs) and PA energy expenditure (PAEE) (>1.5 METs) ; whereas steps/day (≥3METs) and PAEE (≥3 METs) remained unchanged. Conclusions Findings imply that changes in daily PA in patients participating in ER occur in activities where the EE is in light intensity rather than in MVPA.